Cuba Reports Fatal Shooting of Four on US-Registered Speedboat in Its Waters
The Cuban government has announced that its forces shot and killed four people on a US-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on a patrol boat. According to Cuba's interior ministry, the incident occurred when the speedboat approached within one nautical mile of a channel on Falcones Cay, located on Cuba's north coast. The ministry stated that the crew of the speedboat initiated the confrontation by firing upon the Cuban vessel, resulting in the wounding of the commander of the border patrol boat.
Injuries and Evacuation Details
In addition to the four fatalities, six other individuals on the speedboat were injured during the altercation. The Cuban commander of the patrol boat also sustained wounds. All injured parties were promptly evacuated and are currently receiving medical attention. The interior ministry emphasized that the incident is under active investigation to clarify the precise sequence of events and gather all relevant facts.
Florida's Response and Calls for Investigation
Florida's attorney general, James Uthmeier, has responded by ordering prosecutors to open a separate investigation in collaboration with other state and federal law enforcement partners. Uthmeier expressed distrust in the Cuban government, stating on social media platform X that they will do everything in their power to hold what he referred to as communists accountable. Meanwhile, Florida congressman Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-American former mayor of Miami, demanded an urgent investigation into what he labeled a massacre. Gimenez urged US authorities to determine whether any of the victims were US citizens or legal residents, and he called for the Cuban regime to be relegated to the dust bin of history in a post on X.
Identification and Registration of the Speedboat
None of the deceased or wounded individuals on the speedboat have been publicly identified at this time. However, Cuba confirmed that the vessel was registered in Florida and provided the boat's registration number as part of their statement. The Cuban government reiterated its commitment to protecting its territorial waters, asserting that national defense is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding sovereignty and stability in the region.
Background of US-Cuba Tensions
This incident occurs amid a period of heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba, following increased pressure from the administration of former President Donald Trump. Historically, the two countries have collaborated on efforts to combat drug smuggling and other crimes, but such cooperation has ceased in recent years. The current situation underscores the ongoing diplomatic and security challenges between the nations, with this event potentially exacerbating existing strains.
